Top 10 things you need to know about the NBN

The pace of the NBN rollout is accelerating fast. Soon enough, it will be hard to imagine a world without super fast broadband. But all the information out there about the NBN and the many acronyms used can cause us to feel a little overwhelmed. To help, our tech experts have pulled together our top 10 NBN “need to know” tips based on the questions our customers ask us the most.

The switch over to the NBN does not happen automatically

The transition isn’t automatic and you need to place an NBN order with a Retail Service Provider (RSP) like Telstra. We will work with you to make sure you have a smooth transition to the NBN with minimal disruption to your current internet and phone services. Moving to the NBN can take some time so it’s best to place an order early to beat the rush.

You can find out when the NBN is coming to your area

If you’re with Telstra for home phone or internet, we’ll contact you when the NBN is rolling out in your area. We have some of the best technology, and we’ll show you how to get the most out of your Telstra services on the NBN. You can check the status of your address on our website.

Products and services are not more expensive on the NBN

We aim to move our customers across to Bundles and phone plans on the NBN that are similar to what they currently have.

The NBN is for home phone customers too

If you are in an area serviced by the NBN fibre network, you need to move your copper line based phone services onto the NBN if you want to keep your landline.

Landlines might still work on the NBN

If you are in an area serviced by the NBN Fixed Wireless or Satellite networks you have the option to retain your traditional phone line (PSTN) while still benefiting from fast broadband over the NBN. If you are in an area serviced by the NBN fibre network, you will need to move your copper line based phone services (PSTN) onto the NBN if you want to keep your landline.

You don’t need to worry about deciding between the different NBN technologies

nbn™ chooses which type of technology to deploy at a premise, based on a range of factors including which existing networks are available. In 2015, nbn announced that the NBN will be available using a wider mix of technologies, including Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), Fixed Wireless, Satellite, Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Building (FTTB) and Cable. Find out more about the Multi-Mix of Technology (MTM) here.

You can get up to 100Mbps speeds on the NBN

NBN is supposed to be fast, that’s why we offer customers a base speed into their home of up to 25/5 megabits per second (Mbps) rather than NBN’s entry level speed of 12/1 Mbps. That’s download line speeds of up to 25Mbps and upload line speeds of up to 5 Mbps.

If you are in an area serviced by the NBN fibre network and you are looking for more speed, you can purchase one of our Speed Boost options which can provide speeds of up to 100Mbps downlink into the home and up to 40 Mbps uplink from the home for sharing across multiple devices.

Actual speeds experienced by customers will depend on a number of factors, for example equipment/software, data source and content type.

EFTPOS, Fax machines and Back to Base Alarms work on the NBN

Generally, Telstra services on the NBN, including our business bundle DOT (Digital Office Technology™) on the NBN and our business voice product, T-Biz® Voice on the NBN, support EFTPOS, Fax and Back to Base Alarm systems.

Not all devices will function with services on the NBN, so we recommend customers contact their equipment manufacturer or supplier to confirm the compatibility of their device as soon as possible.

You can get Foxtel, Telstra TV and Telstra Air as part of your bundle

The NBN also opens up a world of on-demand content and we have a number of different options with our NBN bundles to meet your entertainment needs including Telstra TV and Foxtel from Telstra packages. In addition, our Telstra Air Network also gives NBN broadband customers the freedom to get online using their home broadband data at thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots across Australia, and millions more overseas. You can find out more about our bundles here.

You can’t sign up to the NBN directly with nbn

The NBN is a wholesale-only network, which means nbn (the company) don’t provide services directly to customers. That’s where Telstra and other Retail Service Providers come in by providing services on the NBN to customers.

The Author

Lyn is the Director of NBN Sales and is currently responsible for development and implementation of the strategic transformation program for Telstra's global contact centre environment. Operationally responsible for the NBN Sales and Service capability within Global Contact Centres.
Lyn has spent her career focussing on delighting customers and creating business improvements using technology innovation, leading teams to deliver a brilliant connected future for everyone.